Jacksonville's Eight Oldest Parks

2. Riverside Park - 1893



Riverside Park is an 11.5-acre public park located at the center of Riverside. It is the second oldest park in the city. The area was identified as a park when platting for the area known as Riverside began in 1869. It would take years for development to actually begin, though as the land had yet to be donated to the city. Finally, in the 1890s, a carriage lane and walking paths were added, stone bridges were constructed, and landscaping was put in. By 1907, it was known as one of the prettiest parks in the southern United States. Other improvements over the years included the construction of a tennis court, a band stand, and a Camilla garden.


Riverside Park in 1900. (State Archives of Florida)